About Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases

What is the difference between arthritis and other rheumatic diseases?

Arthritis, itself a group of more than 100 different diseases, is one category of rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases may cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints and other supporting body structures, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. However, rheumatic diseases can affect other areas of the body, including internal organs. Some rheumatic diseases involve connective tissues (called connective tissue diseases), while others may be caused by an autoimmune disorder, which means the body's immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues.

Who treats arthritis and other rheumatic diseases?

Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases may be treated by your physician and/or other medical specialists and healthcare providers. Several physicians from different medical specialties may be involved in the treatment at the same time. This multidisciplinary team approach is particularly important in managing the symptoms of a rheumatic disease, especially as many symptoms are chronic and change in severity over time.

Some of the more common medical professionals involved in the treatment of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases may include the following:

primary care physician
A primary care physician is one who has specialized education and training in general internal medicine, family practice, or another first-level-of-care area. Primary care physicians are those who provide patients with any/all of the following:

initial care for conditions that may become more serious or chronic in nature

While your primary care physician may treat and/or diagnose your disease, he/she may refer you to a specialist.

internist
Internists specialize in the treatment of adult diseases and internal medicine. Your internist may also refer you to a specialist.

rheumatologist
A rheumatologist is a physician who specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases that may affect joints, muscles, bones, skin, and other tissues. Most rheumatologists have a background in internal medicine or pediatrics and have received additional training in the field of rheumatology. Rheumatologists are specially trained to identify many types of rheumatic diseases in their earliest stages, including arthritis, many types of autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain, disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and osteoporosis. In addition to four years of medical school and three years of specialized training in internal medicine or pediatrics, a rheumatologist has had an additional two or three years of specialized training in the field of rheumatology. A rheumatologist may also be board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

orthopaedic surgeon
The physician who specializes in orthopaedic surgery is called an orthopaedic surgeon, or sometimes, simply, an orthopaedist. Orthopaedists are educated in the workings of the musculoskeletal system, which includes (but is not limited to) diagnosing a condition or disorder, identifying and treating an injury, providing rehabilitation to an affected area or function, and establishing prevention protocol to inhibit further damage to a diseased area or component of the musculoskeletal system.

The orthopaedist may have completed up to 14 years of formal education. After becoming licensed to practice medicine, the orthopaedic surgeon may become board-certified by passing both oral and written examinations given by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Many orthopaedic surgeons choose to practice general orthopaedics, while others specialize in certain areas of the body (i.e., foot, hand, shoulder, spine, hip, or knee), or in a specialized area of orthopaedic care (i.e., sports medicine, trauma medicine). Some orthopaedists may specialize in several areas and may collaborate with other specialists, such as neurosurgeons, rheumatologists, or physiatrists in caring for patients.

physical therapist
Physical therapy is the health profession that focuses on the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and cardiopulmonary systems of the human body, as these systems relate to human motion and function.

Physical therapists, or PTs, are very important members of the healthcare team. They evaluate and provide treatment for persons with health problems resulting from injury, disease, or overuse of muscles or tendons.

Physical therapists have an undergraduate degree in physical therapy, and many have a Master's degree. In order to practice, all graduates must be licensed by their state by passing a national certification examination.

Physical therapists may practice in a variety of settings, including:

hospitals

rehabilitation centers

home health agencies

schools

sports facilities

community health centers

private practice

As related to arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, physical therapists provide comprehensive training that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

functional mobility

balance and gait retraining

soft-tissue mobilization

body mechanics education

casting and splinting

wheelchair safety and management

neuromuscular re-education

exercise programming

family education and training

assistance with pain relief and management

instruction in safe ambulation

occupational therapist
Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that uses "occupation," or purposeful activity, to help persons with physical, developmental, or emotional disabilities lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives.

An occupational therapist often coordinates the following in the care for the individual with a debilitating condition, such as an orthopaedic condition:

evaluating children and adults with developmental, neuromuscular problems in order to plan treatment activities that will help them grow mentally, socially, and physically

assisting children and adults in learning how to carry out daily tasks

conducting group or individual treatment to help children and adults in a mental health center learn to cope with daily activities

recommending changes in layout and design of the home or school to allow children and adults with injuries or disabilities greater access and mobility

Occupational therapists work in a variety of different settings, including the following:

hospitals

rehabilitation centers

schools

home care agencies

private practice

government agencies

podiatrist
A podiatrist specializes in foot care and is licensed to prescribe medication and perform surgery. For example, people who suffer from arthritis in the feet may see a podiatrist for special supportive shoes.

nurses
Nurses specialized in the care of rheumatic diseases may assist your physician in providing care. In addition, these nurses may help you learn about your treatment plan and can answer many of your questions.

Who is affected by arthritis and other rheumatic diseases?

Arthritis and rheumatic diseases can affect anyone, at any age, or of any race. However, certain diseases are more common in certain populations, including the following:

Osteoarthritis is more common among the elderly.

Seventy percent of persons with rheumatoid arthritis are women.

Fibromyalgia affects 2 percent of the US population.

Gout is more common in men.

Scleroderma is more common in women.

Lupus affects women about eight to 10 times as often as men.

Ankylosing spondylitis is more common in men.

What causes arthritis and other rheumatic diseases?

The cause of most types of rheumatic diseases remains unknown and, in many cases, varies depending on the type of rheumatic disease present. However, researchers believe that some/all of the following may play a role in the development or aggravation of one or more types of rheumatic diseases:

genetics and family history (i.e., inherited cartilage weakness)

lifestyle choices (i.e., being overweight)

trauma

infection

neurogenic disturbances

metabolic disturbances

excessive wear and tear and stress on a joint(s)

environmental triggers

the influence of certain hormones on the body

What are the symptoms of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases?

The following are the most common symptoms of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently, and different types of rheumatic diseases present different symptoms. In general, however, symptoms may include:

joint pain

swelling in the joint(s)

joint stiffness that lasts for at least one hour in the early morning

chronic pain or tenderness in the joint(s)

warmth and redness in the joint area

limited movement in the affected joint(s)

fatigue

The symptoms of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases may resemble other medical conditions and problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.